Archive for the ‘sarah paulson’ Tag

Before Anthony Anderson and Lauren Graham announce the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards nominees on July 14, here’s a preview on who can get nominated come Thursday. Yesterday, we tackled the Reality and Variety Series, this time the focus is on the TV Movies and the Limited Series. The past few years saw the rise in the limited series genre, now even eclipsing the acclaim of the current dramas on the boob tube. This year, we can have a rehash of the 2013 race when it’s Ryan Murphy vs. Fargo. Here are my predictions in all eight longform series categories.

While the Jay Roach political drama has this Emmy wrapped up already, let’s discuss which ones will join it as co-nominees. As for starters, there’s the other HBO political film Confirmation, which is basically the runner-up HBO TV movie of the year. We always have those (Hemingway & Gellhorn to Game Change,Taking Chance to Grey Gardens, You Don’t Know Jack to Temple Grandin.. you get the point). After its surprise win haul back in 2013 taking home three major Emmys, they’ll surely nominate the new Sherlock special too. Expect the Emmys to fall in love with The Dresser, albeit it being on Starz; after all, it stars two acting veterans, an Oscar-winning material, and it’s British. As for that last spot, considering how much Netflix is great at campaigning, I’m going with that A Very Murray Christmas from Emmy winner Bill Murray.

As mentioned, the big story here is The People v. O.J. Simpson, which I expect to dominate the nominations. It was critically acclaimed, it had Ryan Murphy in a very prominent case in Murica, and it’s star-studded. Considering how much Ryan Murphy’s pilot seasons always go well with Emmy nods, expect this to be a shoo-in here. Not to be left behind of course is another FX gem, Fargo, whose first season won the Emmy of this category too. It premiering last year and being more subtle than the showy OJ showcase could cost it wins, but not nominations. ABC’s American Crime (not to be confused with American Crime Story — we saw what you did there, Ryan Murphy) is also poised to come back. After all, it’s ABC’s only push here and had a decent showing with the nods last year. Roots is one of the most iconic and memorable shows in TV history and is still an Emmy record holder, so expect the new version to at least be acknowledged with a nom. That last spot is tricky — there’s HBO’s Show Me A Hero which feels like an afterthought at this stage, but it’s HBO’s only shot here plus it stars one of Hollywood’s current it boys Oscar Isaac. But there’s also AMC’s The Night Manager which they are campaigning aggressively, stars Tom Hiddleston and multiple Emmy nominee Hugh Laurie. I can see it both go ways, but for now let’s stick with the latter.

Talk about an insanely competitive category. You literally can fill this group with at least a dozen names. To be frank, I think only Bryan Cranston is a lock here. His LBJ performance which previously netted him a Tony will likely join an Emmy as well (will Oscar follow?). To a certain extent, I think Courtney B. Vance is also safe considering he’s the breakout performer among the lads in the show. Benedict Cumberbatch pulled off an upset in an equally strong category back in 2013 (against Mark Ruffalo, Idris Elba, and Fargo guys) so it’s not impossible for him to pull one off again this time. Then this is where it gets tricky. Patrick Wilson is probably my fourth, though the passive, subtle role can somehow hurt him especially in an insane category like this one. That said, I’m sticking with him. I also think they won’t let the opportunity of nominating any of The Dresser actors pass by. It’s tough between Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins and Sir Ian McKellen, so you can just go eitherway (maybe even both get in?), and for now I went with McKellen. Cuba Gooding Jr. just feels like he’ll be a part of the OJ lovefest, and considering he’s playing the titular character, I’d go predict him as well. Watch out for Oscar Isaac though considering how much he’s an in-demand actor now. Other notable names to consider are The Night Manager‘s Tom Hiddleston, Bill Murray in A Very Murray Christmas, Idris Elba in Luther, and even Sir Ben Kingsley in Tut.

Unlike its male counterpart, the Lead Actress category is wider than usual. Of course, one expects that Confirmation‘s Kerry Washington, Fargo‘s Kristen Dunst, and People v. OJ Simpson‘s Sarah Paulson are all but sure now. After that, there’s Emmy winner Audra McDonald for her HBO special too. We can also see two American Crime actresses in this category, but it’s safer to go with Emmy winner Felicity Huffman. As for that last spot, there’s her co-star Lili Taylor, and Emmy favorite Blythe Danner in Madoff, but let’s go daring a bit and predict that her Oscar luck would extend here so I say Rachel McAdams for True Detective.

What it it with male acting categories that they are really jampacked this year? The Supporting one is full of potential categories, and there’s a chance that it can go The Normal Heart way with four bids in it. That said, I’ll go predictable and include only two: Sterling K. Brown, and David Schwimmer’s TV comeback. That said, if they go star heavy, there’s John Travolta and Nathan Lane, both of whom can benefit from name-checking from voters. Martin Freeman won this category too back in 2013 against The Normal Heart group, so unless the lukewarm reviews for The Abominable Bride catches on, then he’s safe here. Ted Danson is a TV veteran, but he’s no easy bid as well, though being the veteran among Fargo supporting actors might help him. I might also be personally bias here with my prediction of Bokeem Woodbine, also from Fargo, but they nominated Alison Tolman two years ago, so there’s a precedent. Lastly, if The Night Manager is indeed a successful campaign, still Emmyless Hugh Laurie can sneak in a nomination for this as well. That said there’s also Forest Whitaker for Roots, Frank Langella for All the Way, and Denis O’Hare of AHS: Hotel to consider.

I might be underestimating American Horror Story: Hotel this year, but not in this category. I’ve dismissed it in previous years only for it to come back stronger, though Jessica Lange’s absence really hurt it. That said, double nods for Kathy Bates and Sarah Paulson are still safe bets. Speaking of safe bets, Emmy veteran Jean Smart’s cold, conniving matriarch in Fargo might even be competitive for the win. Meanwhile, a lesser known actress would definitely not be in contention considering the small of the role, but it’s Oscar and Emmy winner Melissa Leo in a supportive wife role in All the Way so it’s safe to say she’s getting in. Lastly, to continue my narrative of strong OJ Simpson love, I’m predicting that the scene-chewing performance of Connie Britton will give her another nod (I mean she got in for Nashville).

I went safe with my predictions here — only two OJ episodes, one by Ryan Murphy and one by John Singleton, then Jay Roach will surely get in as well. There’s a Fargo episode in between, from the same one who pulled off the upset win back in the first season, and then there’s Oscar winner Susanne Bier in a well-campaigned British program. Last one is between a Sherlock episode and a Roots finale from a popular 80s movie director, and since I think Sherlock won’t go as perfectly lucky as the last time, I give the edge to Roots.

Like in Directing, went safe here by including only two OJ Simpson episodes, All the Way, and a Fargo one too. But instead of The Night Manager, I replaced it with another British series — Sherlock considering it won this category the last time it contended. And instead of Roots, we have Oscar winner John Ridley’s penned American Crime episode to round up the group.

Next up, the LOL shows of the comedy categories as we continue our 68th Emmy nomination prediction series tomorrow.

Let’s move on to the longform acting categories which provided the surprises last year as frontrunners Mark Ruffalo, Cicely Tyson, Matt Bomer and Julia Roberts all went home empty handed. With how crazy this year’s new voring is taking shape, we’d know if the same applies for 2015. It’s a tad hilarious that this is the year where they started the tape system when tapes seem like they don’t matter anymore.

Anyway, let’s begin with the trifecta of American Horror Story: Freak Show actresses in this category – all nominated last year and all came back again this year. As Desiree Dupree, Angela Bassett played the three-breasted freak with so such commitment this season, but she’s jsut competing with two other characters who received meatier material than her. Even her submission “Show Stoppers” feature her co-nominees more than her.

Then there’s current champ Kathy Bates who plays the role of bearded woman Ethel Darling. After years of slump when it comes to Emmy wins, Bates suddenly won two Emmys in three years, and she’s very much in it again this year. While her submission “Edward Mordrake Part 1” is excellent on its own, she also shines in the extra two tapes she had from her co-nominees. Plus, she benefits from name-checking as well.

But it doesn’t get as baity as Sarah Paulson now on her fourth consecutive nomination (and still Emmyless, while we’re at it). Her role as twins Bette and Dot is probably the most challenging in this group (though Tatiana Maslany probably laughs at this sentence), and if she can’t win for this double performance, she probably won’t ever win for this whole series. And while her episode “Tupperware Massacre Party” makes her really competitive, it might be too gimmicky for other voters.

Elsewhere, there’s Zoe Kazan from Olive Kitteridge playing the role of the outgoing Denise Thibodeau. Submitting the first part of the series is a wise move, as it contains her most vital moments where she came as stronger than perceived. It has the perfect balance of comedy and drama that might appeal to voters, or the Olive Kitteridge fans among the voting bloc.

For her role as Aliyah Shadeed in American Crime, Regina King received her first Emmy career nomination. An Islam convert in the show, King’s submission “Episode Four” had her delivering a speech in the episode which is as Emmy clip as one can possibly wish. The support for American Crime is more than what was expected, so if voters aren’t in the mood for the horror story, this can be one where they’ll throw their vote to.

Closing the group is Oscar winner Mo’nique for her turn as Ma Rainey in TV Movie winner Bessie. For this performance, Mo’nique has already received lots of great ink which easily puts her as in hunt for the actual Emmy. Her biggest problem though is that she appears only in the first part of the series only to just come back in the last few moments. While this works in a usual show episode, this might be deemed far too small for a TV movie performance. Only one actress has won this category for a TV Movie in the last five years (Julia Ormond in 2010 and that’s because 4 of the 5 nominees are from TV Movies).

Sarah Paulson is the overwhelming frontrunner here between her transformative role and her overdue status, but she is a shaky frontrunner at best. Kathy Bates can easily pull off a back to back, so does Mo’nique to reach halfway of her EGOT status. I’m currently thinking Bates’ beard would be enough to pull a double Paulson come next week.

Welcome back! We’re still in the middle of our Emmy analysis discussions, and for today, we’ll be shifting the focus to the leading ladies of the TV movies and the miniseries. Some notable names missing here include Rebecca Ferguson in The White Queen, Toni Collette in the CBS canceled show Hostages, and Carrie Underwood in that NBC special The Sound of Music Live. As for the actual nominees, our line up this year include…

Helena Bonham Carter for playing screen legend Elizabeth Taylor in the BBC adaptation of Burton & Taylor. Bonham Carter has already received Globe and SAG nods for the same performance earlier this year, and this is pretty much a tempting pick had it only performed stronger and probably a stronger pick in a weaker year. Unlike the Oscars though, Emmys isn’t really fond of portraying other stars, but this is a showy character with some physical transformation involved in it.

Then there’s also Minnie Driver getting in for the Lifetime movie Return to Zero. In the said film, Driver deals with the loss of a child before it was even born and she’s a grieving wife whose relationship with her husband also got jeopardized because of it. This is basically like Rabbit Hole without the young kid factor, and this is a very baity role that I’m quite surprised I didn’t even predict her for a nomination. That said, this gives her a lot of showy moments that I think it’s quite risky to totally eliminate her chances.

From one Lifetime lady to another, we have 3x Emmy winner Cicely Tyson reprising her Tony winning performance in the Oscar winning role in The Trip to Bountiful. This seems the likelier Lifetime actress to pursue a win given the history of the role and the accolades that she has received by far both for the play and the TV movie. It also helps that this is the only film nominated in the TV movie category for this year.

Kristen Wiig received her sixth(!) consecutive nod this year, and her first one outside of Saturday Night Live for the comedy miniseries The Spoils of Babylon. On one hand, this benefits her as this is like an extended SNL performance only she’s the lead of it with her over the top character being front and center in all six episodes. On the other hand, if she can’t win for SNL whether as a supporting performer or a guest actress, then maybe it’s a performance that they just love to nominate and not to reward with an Emmy.

And lastly there’s the pair of American Horror Story: Coven ladies in here. Sarah Paulson gets her third consecutive nod and her first one in Lead. While she gets to be more physical with her performance given that she was blind for a lot of episodes in the season, it’s really hard to see her be prioritized with a stronger co-star and competitor via Jessica Lange. 2009 champ in this category Jessica Lange can actually skate a win here. There seems to be an abundant amount of love for Coven and even manage to surpass expectation of the show cooling down. After all, Lange already managed a win for AHS first season in Supporting, it’s equally deserving if she gets one in Lead as well.

In the end, I see this between the two veterans. Cicely Tyson is obviously some sort of an Emmy favorite here having three Emmys under her name already. This is already an Oscar and Tony winning role, and I won’t be surprised if Emmy won’t give in to it as well. But then again, Jessica Lange is always a contender in this category, and this year is no exception. These two actresses have only battled out with these performances only one time (at the CCTV Awards) and Lange ended up on top. That said, I’m sticking with Cicely Tyson to win a fourth one, but don’t count out Minnie Driver in this race though.

Hey again guys! If you may not know (as if that blog header isn’t obvious enough), we’re still on our Emmy week here at Tit for Tat as we gloss over the possible Emmy nominees before Carson Daly and Mindy Kaling announce them on Thursday morning. Yesterday, I started this four part series of predictions by going over the Reality and Variety categories. This time, we’ll be tackling the eight major categories of the Movie and Miniseries genre. Let’s get started!

Well aside from The Normal Heart and Fargo, it’s really difficult to pinpoint which direction the voters will go to. I’d have Luther in simply because the last time the show was eligible, it also received a nod in this category. Then Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight won the WGA for Adapted Screenplay albeit a field of two only. Then what I’ve noticed in this category is that they love ’em British pieces. They might not nominate them for the bigger series awards, but the writing branch always have a soft spot for them; thus, I’m going with Sherlock. And lastly, Dancing for the Edge seems like a filler nod for either Writing or Directing, and I’m palcing it here since it’s less competitive than Directing.

The two surest contenders here are definitely Ryan Murphy (at this point, The Normal Heart will just steamroll its way to a lot of nominations) and Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight because come on it’s Stephen Frears. And he’s a well known film director. Plus it’s from HBO. Fargo’s “The Crocodile’s Dilemma” seems like a good bet as well since it’s the pilot of the show, and I’m certain Fargo will get in here. That said, I’m predicting two episodes from the show to get nominated. Aside from the pilot, I also have Buridan’s Ass which has that major shooting episode (it’s Ep 6 for you casual viewers). It’s one of Fargo‘s most buzzed episodes of the series and I think it can penetrate the race. The Trip to Bountiful seems like a better directing contender than a writing one that’s why I’m putting it here instead of Writing. As for the last spot, I think it’s gonna be one of those epic fantasy episodes, so it’s between The White Queen’s Final Battle versus The Hollow Crown’s Henry IV: Part II. I’m going with the latter simply because of the name recognition.

What a crowded category. There’s like ten women in actual contention for this usually barren category. Let’s begin with the easy guesses. There’s Julia Roberts. In a friggin TV movie. In her wheelchair. Throwing papers. I can go on and on but you get the point now. She’s in. Then there’s Kathy Bates too. At this point, I think there’s a slow decline of Emmy love for American Horror Story in general that’s why I’m predicting her as the only supporting actress nominee from this show. If only this was a weak year or if AHS was in its first or second season (both are not), I’d be more lenient with her inclusion. Then there’s an unknown by the name of Allison Tolman? I know you’re probably thinking “Who?”, but this is TV’s biggest breakthrough performances of the season. This is a friggin’ Oscar winning role, and I see her even being the dark horse for the win. Speaking of win, Golden Globe winner Jacqueline Bisset is also in my predictions list simply because her role is something that is a regular in this category.And her Globe win, as infamous as it was, put her to some sort of public consciousness. Current champ Ellen Burstyn is also in contention, and I think a repeat nod is possible. Sure Flowers in the Attic is no Political Animals, but this is the category that nominated her for a 14 second performance in 2006. They love her here. The last spot is between two Tony nominees: Tony queen Audra McDonald is the only redemption of The Sound of Music Live! and her current Tony good will might translate to a nod, but my bet is on 3x nominee Vanessa Williams reprising her Broadway role here.

This one is basically the extension of The Normal Heart cast with five of their men eligible in this category. That said, I’ll only be predicting three, as I don’t see anything beyond that possible. Of course there’s winner frontrunner Matt Bomer who is the surest guy from the show here. I’m also rpedicting Jim Parsons since it’s somewhat of a departure from him, and he’s current champ (in Comedy Lead Actor) that they won’t shy from giving him double nominations this year. Lastly, I have Joe Mantello since he’s “breakdown” moment is one of the most talked about. It’s a clip made for awards show purposes plus he’s a veteran that I won’t be surprised Emmys going for it. As for the other three guys, I’m going with Martin Freeman to repeat the same nod he got in 2012 for the previous season of Sherlock. I’ quite confident with Colin Hanks as well since he’s the only one that FX is campaigning here (which means no Oliver Platt), so that bodes well for his chances. I’m going with Blair Underwood for the last spot as Cicely Tyson’s son since this is a Tony nominated role, and I fail to see him missing here.

If the three other acting nominees are somewhat stacked, consider this the Debbie Downer of the group with the lack of possible nominations. I guess it’s safe to begin with Jessica Lange since she’ll easily be nominated for the show’s third season. She won Supporting the first year and was nominated here for the second season, and a third consecutive one is already expected. Cicely Tyson is a sure bet too. She literally translated her Tony winning performance and she’ll likely add “Emmy winning” too come awards ceremony on August. It doesn’t hurt as well that it’s also an Oscar winning role, so a trifecta of best Actress wins for this will be quite historic. Then there’s Globe and SAG nominee Helena Bonham Carter. She was already recognized for this at the earlier awards show, and it’s not as if this category is full to even consider her missing. Rebecca Ferguson is the unknown here but playing the title role of a Miniseries contender doesn’t hurt her. I’d be more cautious if this was only a field of five, but it’s not. Emmy winner Toni Collette also has a bid via her failed CBS series Hostages. I expect this to be a repeat of Ashley Judd’s nom in 2011 when she got in for a more star studded line up. If Judd made it in a five nominee line up, what more for Emmy champ Collete? The last spot can either go to Whoopi Goldberg or Sarah Paulson. There’s a reason why Goldberg’s EGOT win has an asterisk beside the E, it’s because she hasn’t won a Primetime Emmy yet. Therefore, it’s quite clear Emmy isn’t totally fond of her, thus making me give the last spot to Sarah Paulson who is hitting some career best stride the past few years and was nommed in Supporting for the last two years.

Okay so it didn’t sound as competitive in this category when True Detective announced it will compete in Drama instead, but it makes the prediction part easier. As for starters, the pair of British actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Idris Elba are likely to repeat their nods they got for their roles as Sherlock and Luther respectively. Both of them competed in 2011 as well. Then Cumberbatch’s Sherlock co-star and buddy Martin Freeman is poised to get double acting nominations as he gets one for Fargo as well alongside Billy Bob Thornton. Then it boils down to three Oscar nominees (and one winner). Mark Ruffalo is as sure as one can get, and he’s also one of the frontrunners to win for his role as the gay protagonist in The Normal Heart. While I keep on switching back and forth with Christopher Plummer and Chiwetel Ejiofor, I’d be giving the last slot to the latter since his momentum is pretty much fresher with his Oscar nod earlier this year.

Of all years where they decided to separate the TV movies and miniseries again, they went with this year goddamit. Anyway, both the FX series are sure things here. American Horror Story got in the last two years and Fargo is the de facto frontrunner here. Luther is poised to make a comeback here as well especially in a weak field. Then in the battle of large ensemble dramas, I’d go with Dancing on the Edge as the first one since this flashy period piece works well in this category. I’m leaning with The White Queen in my last spot though simply because I felt it has an overall mainstream appeal than The Hollow Crown, but all I know is that it’s a slot reserved for BBC America.

As if they still need to have nominees here since The Normal Heart is gonna sweep this away (and deservedly so), but for the sake of competition, the four other nominees here would definitely be Sherlock: His Last Vow. Why the show decides to submit here instead of Miniseries when they can compete now is beyond me. Then you have Lifetime’s The Trip to Bountiful. It’s an acclaimed TV movie and at this point, a Lifetime show is bound to get in so it being their top contender also makes it a surer bet. National Geographic’s Killing Kennedy is a buzzed TV movie as well even reaping nods at the SAGs for its lead actor, so with a divided field for TV Movie and Miniseries, there’s a huge chance of it happening. The last spot, which I call the HBO slot, is reserved for that lesser buzzed HBO TV movie. After all for every Game Change, there’s a Hemignway & Gellhorn. For every Behind the Candelabra, there’s a Phil Spector and for every Temple Grandin, there’s a You Don’t Know Jack. So for this year’s The Normal Heart, I’d go with Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight since it’s the more buzzed one than that other HBO TV movie Clear History whom despite having a more known cast, has a nonexistent presence at the race at all.

There you have it. How many The Normal Heart guys are you predicting in Supporting Actor? Can Whoopi Goldberg change her Daytime Emmy to a Primetime one? And how do you feel if NBC’s Rosemary Baby Suddenly enters the race? Pipe them in the comments section below.

Tomorrow, ready your tummies for the hilarity that will ensue as we discuss the Comedy categories.

After lead actor in a miniseries, let’s move on to one of the supporting categories. Supporting Actress in a Movie or Miniseries turned out to be an embarrassment of riches in terms of female supporting performances this year. After watching the five nominated works, it’s hard not to see why they all ended up with nominations for their work. Though I guess I’d still reiterate that Holly Hunter in Top of the Lake deserves a spot here (considering she got two nominations for that Saving Grace show), though we should move on to the five nominees now.

Let’s begin with last year’s nominee Sarah Paulson. Last year, she was nommed for the HBO produced Game Change and lost to Jessica Lange in American Horror Story. For this season, she joins the show and ended up nominated for her turn as the curious reporter who ended up finding herself in the same asylum. Her turn here gives her a lot of range to work on, and if we based it on last year’s winner, she’s in good odds to win.

Then we have Mrs. Jim Carter herself, Imelda Staunton (Yes Dolores Umbridge is married to him). Staunton played Alma Ritter, and to give you more familiarity, it’s the role Helen Mirren played in the film Hitchcock. Staunton is mostly Toby Jones’ coattail nominee, but to give her credit, she is a true supporting play to him in The Girl.

Remember 2006’s infamous Emmy nomination? Yes, thanks to Ellen Burstyn, a rule was ultimately made the following year about the screentime needed for supporting players to be eligible in this category. After her 14 second appearance in Mrs. Harris in 2006, she’s now back in the same category, now as Sigourney Weaver’s mother in Political Animals. She plays the level headed cool grandma, and in one of the episodes, she gets high with her grandson’s fiancé. If ever she wins for this, it will be a hundred times deserving.

A surprising but should have been expected nominee this year is Charlotte Rampling for Restless. For one, she surprised us with her SAG nomination earlier this year. Then she was nominated for an Emmy this year as well. Playing the role of a woman who needed to change identities during the War, most of her scenes involve talking with daughter Michelle Dockery. It’s a stand out performance that is justifiably recognized, but I don’t see her winning for it.

Lastly, you have one of the actresses Emmys love to nominate: Alfre Woodard. Winning multiple Emmys in the past before, Woodard is once again recognized for her turn in Lifetime’s remake of Steel Magnolias. Hers is a role that actually stands out in the ensemble. Add the fact that she is Alfre Woodard, and that makes her an easy name to check here.

As for who’s going to win, it depends on who the Emmys like during the voting. If voters are in for a movie star, then no doubt, Ellen Burstyn can siphon the votes in here. Then one can never underestimate the Emmy’s admiration for Alfre Woodard, and in a scene stealing role such as this one, it’s no surprise if ever she ended up winning here. But ultimately, my prediction goes to Sarah Paulson who might end up being Asylum’s lone major win, and a way to recognize the series in the telefilm categories.

If you’re not one of those who are concerned about the awards competition, then you’re probably in for the fashion right? TV’s biggest night just finished a while ago, and here are those who deserve Emmys for bringing award worthy moments in the red carpet.

You can click the photos for the larger version. Credits to yahoo.com and justjared.com for the photos!

16. JANE KRAKOWSKI

This 30 Rock supporting actress might have been deprived of an Emmy nomination this year, but this Kaufman Franco glittery dress that she paired with a Judith Leiber clutch and Lorraine Schwartz jewels is a definitely a winning look in my book.

15. ALLISON WILLIAMS

Girls star Allison Williams stood out from all her co-stars in this Emmy nominated program when she stepped out of the red carpet wearing this emerald green Oscar dela Renta dress in the red carpet.

14. MELISSA RAUCH

From one green dress to the next one, The Big Bang Theory‘s Melissa Rauch kept it cute and wholesome in this green couture dress that was made by Filipino designer Oliver Tolentino.

13. AMY POEHLER

While we are still waiting for that moment when she’ll finally win an Emmy for herself, let’s all just pause and get content that now single Amy Poehler rocked the red carpet in this Stella McCartney shining dress that she paired with a $2 ring that she got from her kid’s toy box.

12. JESSICA PARE

Pare might be the latest addition among the Mad Men women cast, but she looks so pro as she looked divine in this white Jason Wu gown that she paired with Bulgari jewels.

11. JANUARY JONES

From the new Mrs. Don Draper, let’s shift to the original one. January Jones skipped the Emmys last year, and she really made her presence felt this time around when she came back with a bang wearing this Zac Posen creation. I would have advised her to lessen the eye make up though.

09. JULIE BOWEN

Two time-Emmy winner Julie Bowen is one of the trifecta of Emmy winnrs who wore yellow at the event. In here, this strapless Monique Lhuiller gown complimented the Emmy she will be taking home.

08. PADMA LAKSHMI

Top Chef might not have won the Best Reality/Competition program, but Padma Lakshmi is all sort of winning in this orange Monique Lhuiller gown that she wore at the ceremonies.

07. SARAH PAULSON

Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries nominee Sarah Paulson might not have been swept away with the Game Change love last night, but this blue Reem Acra creation is winning on so many levels.

06. CLAIRE DANES

There are three things that Claire Danes must be proud of after last night. First is her new baby, second is her new Emmy, and the third one is her ravishing look in this bright yellow Lanvin gown that she matched off with Christian Louboutin heels.

05. JULIA LOUIS DREYFUS

Three time Emmy winner Julia Louis Dreyfus’ presence has been really missed in the Emmy red carpet after skipping last year, and she came back not only to receive an Emmy, deliver an awesome speech, and show to everyone her winning Vera Gown outfit.

04. GINNIFER GOODWIN

The Once Upon a Time star looked very interesting with this very detailed orange Monique Lhuiller creation that she paired with Christian Louboutin transparent heels, and a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch.

03. SOFIA VERGARA

Sofia had no such luck on her third attempt to win an Emmy, but it’s also her third time to appear on my yearly Emmy list with this aqua blue Zuhair Murad gown. She should be considered for a grand slam already.

02. NICOLE KIDMAN

This is Nicole Kidman’s debut appearance at the Emmys, and she certainly did not disappoint, as she looked ravishing and young in this Antonio Berardi creation that was just launched last week and Christian Siriano heels. Props to her style team for being that quick.

01. HEIDI KLUM

And the best dressed list is topped this year by none other than Heidi Klum who wears this very eye relaxing Alexander Vauthier creation that has a very high slit to boot. This is how you show a leg without looking tacky. Angelina, take notes!

That’s it! Another year of television done, and another one to look forward to. Who were the winners for you red carpet wise? Pipe them in below!

Now that I’m done making my predictions for the Emmys tomorrow, I’ll try to fill the shoes of those who were tasked to judge the actual Emmy categories and be in a voter mood just this time. If I happen to vote on all the categories that will be presented tomorrow (plus the four guest acting awards), here’s how my ballot will look like:

DRAMA SERIES: Homeland (Showtime)

Mad Men has four already, and while they indeed had a great season again, I’d rather spread the wealth this year. Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones’s first seasons were better than the second one, I’ll wait for Breaking Bad’s series to end, and I think Homeland just brings the good week in and week out that I don’t see them topping this perfectly balanced first season; thus I’m throwing Homeland my vote.

LEAD ACTOR, DRAMA: Damian Lewis, “Homeland”

This is pretty much a non contest. Both Cranston and Lewis deliver Emmy winning performance. The only difference is Cranston was rewarded thrice already, yet Lewis has none. I’m giving Lewis my vote.

LEAD ACTRESS, DRAMA: Claire Danes, “Homeland”

I’m happy Danes is getting the surge in her career post-Temple Grandin, and that her wonderful acting abilities is put into good use. She might have won just two years ago, but she deserves this quick of a follow up.

SUPPORTING ACTOR, DRAMA: Aaron Paul, “Breaking Bad”

This was tough. Esposito was the villain of the season and he was actually good in Breaking Bad. This is also the last chance to reward Harris for years of consistent performance, but I can’t resist to vote for Aaron Paul who perfectly compliments Bryan Cranston every single time in Breaking Bad.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DRAMA: Christina Hendricks, “Mad Men”

It’s really a bull that Mad Men is still Emmyless in terms of acting categories. Holloway owned this season like no other, so I’m giving my vote to her. Christine Baranski is a close second, but I’m totally voting for Miss Holloway.

GUEST ACTOR, DRAMA: Dylan Baker, “The Good Wife”

After watching his episode, he totally gave me Hannibal Lecter creeps. That’s enough to give him my vote.

GUEST ACTRESS, DRAMA: Joan Cusack, “Shameless”

What is she even doing in this category? I think she’s a solid supporting actress in her show. With that said, I’ve loved how she embraced this character perfectly and that tape just rocks on so many level.

No Louie and Parks and Recreation on the list. I like both Girls and Veep, but I think they still ahsn’t developed the highest points of their series runs. Big Bang was more of a Big Blah this season. 30 Rock has had its shares of a threepeat here. Curb is a hit or miss for me. Easy vote goes to Modern Family.

LEAD ACTOR, COMEDY: Larry David, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”

It’s between Louis CK and Larry David, but the perennial nominee deserves it based on the long pedigree of consistent performance in his show. It’s actually too overdue to happen, but I would’ve voted for him in a heartbeat.

LEAD ACTRESS, COMEDY: Julia Louis Dreyfus, “Veep”

I love you Amy Poehler, and I’m happy you won the Pawnee elections, but the Veep had my vote.

SUPPORTING ACTOR, COMEDY: Jesse Tyler Ferguson, “Modern Family”

By a mile, the only consistent and still refreshing cast member for the third season. He really deserves the Emmy.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS, COMEDY: Kristin Wiig, “Saturday Night Live”

Bleh batch of nominees. Where’s Jane Krakowski? She should have been winning this thing. Srsly. With that, I’ll go for our favorite bridesmaid.

GUEST ACTOR, COMEDY: Jimmy Fallon, “Saturday Night Live”

It’s not even a competition. Fallon owned everybody in his category, and I’m ecstatic he actually won.

GUEST ACTRESS, COMEDY: Maya Rudolph, “Saturday Night Live”

I love you Kathy Bates, and I’m happy you can now call yourself an Emmy winner, but the moment Beyonce did Maya Rudolph is already a win worthy in my book. Distant second is Melissa McCarthy’s dress tasting skit.